Everything starts with it, language
(mama's face and sweet words)
turning, crawling, walking
(mama's hand and encouragement)
eating, playing, wanting
(mama's example and commentary)
sand, water, wind, wood and fire
(heaven and earth)
animals, cars, construction cranes
(the world)
school, listening, practising
(teachers and reading)
practising and practising
(expertise)
until my attention slides smoothly
(like a fish in water)
through the matter
(mastery)

With people, it is different
(they are like me)
they scatter my energy
(in changing rain)
from clouds of love

From now on I'll live

my life as if I have died –


and got extra time.

Just look, there is more

to see among the branches –


in the winteryard.

i just want some quiet
and to stop running from things

want to know what it's like
to hold on to something
for more than seven seconds

Perhaps, I am getting wiser
in my slightly graying days;

Learning that it is not the pain
itself that causes the most grief.
It is the anticipations, and attempts
to avoid future events
that may bring it.

Sorrow is of the past,
future suffering
may never actually come into being,

and reflecting on all of that
detracts from the pleasure that
I could be taking in the present moment.

They don't need the latest technologies or toys

They need their parents' undivided attention
They need moments of uncontrollable laughter over something silly
They need to feel safe despite the chaos happening outside

They need beautiful memories with their family not with their devices